Thousands Gather for Annual Love Ride
Once a source of complaint, the annual Love Ride motorcycle charity event has transformed into a quite a happening for the Castaic community.
Many local organizations volunteer at the event – the most prominent source of motorcycle fundraising worldwide.
With more than 20,000 motorcycles, the Love Ride – now in its 23rd year – brings motorcycle riders from different organizations around the world to Castaic Lake Recreation Area.
Every year, Friends of Castaic Lake provides 250 volunteers to collect tickets and serve beverages.
“It’s a great event, and people have fun up there working the event,” said Ray Graeber, treasurer for the Friends of Castaic Lake.
The trip begins in Glendale at Harley-Davidson/Buell, and riders caravan up to Castaic Lake, led by grand marshall Jay Leno and honorary grand marshalls Peter Fonda and Robert Patrick.
Upon arrival, there will be a barbeque, trade show and concert with the Black Crowes and Fryed Brothers.
“We had bumps a few years ago,” Bob Lewis, treasurer of the Castaic Area Town Council, said at a recent meeting. “(The) community knows it’s coming every year, and knows it’s a good thing.”
Four years ago, Castaic residents complained that not enough service groups were allowed to help with the event.
Other sources of contention included traffic, parking in the Northlake housing developments and noise levels.
“Issues were brought up about being more sensitive to the community we came into,” said Annet Peairs, spokeswoman for the Love Ride Foundation.
Traffic is handled by the California Highway Patrol and the Castaic Lake Lions Club posts signs about where to park in the Northlake developments.
The number of deputies has also been increased for the event, said Lloyd Carder, Castaic Area Town Council president
However, noise complaints remain problematic for organizers.
“Nothing you can do about that, when you have 10,000 motorcycles (sic) coming in,” Graeber said.
Proceeds from the event go to numerous nonprofit organizations, including the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, the Muscle Dystrophy Foundation.
The Castaic Area Town Council, Castaic Education Fund, Castaic Lake Lions Club, Friends for Castaic Lake are also beneficiaries of the event.
More About Fundraising Events
More About Charity Fundraising
No tags for this post.